|
Indicators of Abuse
The following indicators are clues to the observer of
possible elder abuse. Please remember, the presence
of any of these signs of abuse does not mean abuse is
occurring. These are clues which indicate further investigation
is warranted.
Physical Indicators
|
•
|
Is the elder dirty, foul smelling, unshaven or
wearing dirty clothing?
|
| |
|
|
•
|
Does the elder appear malnourished or dehydrated?
|
| |
|
|
•
|
Does the elder have too many or frequent unexplained
bruises, burns, skin tears, pinch marks, welts
or cuts?
|
| |
|
|
•
|
Is the explanation of these injuries plausible
and are they consistent with medical findings?
|
| |
|
|
•
|
Is there an unexplained delay in seeking medical
treatment or is there a series of missed medical
appointments? Does there appear to be a pattern
of hospital or doctor hopping?
|
| |
|
|
•
|
Does the elder seem anxious, confused, depressed,
fearful, over-medicated or sedated?
|
| |
|
|
•
|
Does the elder express fear, embarrassment or
shame toward a family member or caregiver?
|
| |
|
|
•
|
Are there signs of confinement such as being
tied to furniture or locked in a room? Look for
outlines of objects used to inflict friction,
such as rope or chains.
|
| |
|
|
•
|
Is the elder's residence dirty and in need of
obvious repairs?
|
| |
|
|
•
|
Does the family member or caregiver allow the
elder person to speak for themselves? is the elder
allowed to speak on the telephone or have visitors
without the presence of the caregiver?
|
| |
|
|
•
|
Does the family member or caregiver threaten,
insult or act aggressively toward the elder?
|
| |
|
|
•
|
Is there evidence of withholding affection, assistance,
food, drink or medication?
|
| |
|
|
•
|
Are there excessive displays of affection and
devotion toward the elder by the caregiver?
|
| |
|
|
•
|
Does the elder person display an excessive amount
of dependence on the caregiver?
|
| |
|
|
•
|
Does the family member or caregiver appear to
have an alcohol or drug abuse problem?
|
| |
|
| • |
Is there a known history of family violence or
substance abuse?
|
Financial (Fiduciary) Indicators
|
•
|
Unusual or inappropriate bank account, ATM or
credit card transactions. Is the elder homebound
and known to be unable to personally carry out
these transactions?
|
|
|
|
|
•
|
A recently signed Power of Attorney, Will or
Trust with evidence that the elder does not have
the understanding to sign such a document.
|
|
|
|
|
•
|
A Power of Attorney which names a caregiver as
agent.
|
|
|
|
|
•
|
Estate planning documents which place the caregiver
in a position of authority or benefit.
|
|
|
|
|
•
|
Recent changes in title of property (e.g. house,
securities) in favor of caregiver or "friend."
|
|
|
|
|
•
|
The elder's bills (e.g. gas, lights, telephone,
mortgage, medical) are not being paid.
|
|
|
|
|
•
|
The elder lacks amenities such as personal grooming
items, appropriate clothing or food.
|
|
|
|
|
•
|
The caregiver asks a lot of questions regarding
financial issues and minimizes concern over care
and health issues.
|
|
|
|
|
•
|
The caregiver offers life-long care in exchange
for bank accounts or deeding of property.
|
|
|
|
|
•
|
Personal belongings or financial documents are
missing from the elder's home or safe deposit
box.
|
|
|
|
|
•
|
The caregiver has no obvious means of support
or has a lifestyle which is not consistent with
income.
|
|
|
|
|
•
|
The caregiver or family member lives with the
elder or appears to be financially dependent on
the elder.
|
|
|
|
|
•
|
The elder is being isolated from friends or family.
|
|
|
|
|
•
|
The caregiver or family member does all the talking
at the bank, doctor's office or pharmacy. Is it
difficult or impossible to have a private conversation
with the elder?
|
|
|
|
|
•
|
Signatures on checks or credit card receipts
do not resemble the elder person's signature.
|
|
|
|
|
•
|
Numerous checks made payable to "Cash."
|
|
|
|
|
•
|
The elder person has poor eyesight which would
prohibit them from reading what they are signing
or has physical problems which would not allow
them to write their signature.
|
|
|
|
|
•
|
A financial advisor is becoming too involved
with the elder's personal affairs or manages the
elder's assets to a greater extent than is usual.
|
|
|
|
|
•
|
A trusted professional advisor is providing advice
in a field in which he/she is not qualified (e.g.
a stockbroker giving legal advice).
|
Behavioral Indicators
Does the elder show signs of the following behaviors:
• Confusion
• Fear
• Extremely forgetful
• Withdrawn or depressed
• Angry
• Helplessness
• Disoriented as to time and place
• Hesitant to talk freely or tells implausible
stories
Does the elder appear to be:
|
•
|
Isolated from others
|
|
|
|
|
•
|
Lonely with no friends or relatives who visit
regularly
|
|
|
|
|
•
|
Not given the opportunity to speak for themselves
|
|
|
|
|
•
|
Spending money on items which they cannot use
or do not appear to need (e.g. telemarketing)
|
|
|
|
|
•
|
Denied appropriate and necessary placement and/or
services by the person controlling the elder's
resources
|
|
|
|
|
•
|
Placed in a facility, such as a nursing home
or residential care facility, that is inconsistent
with his or her income or assets
|
|
|
|
|
•
|
Lacking amenities such as a television, radio,
clothing, grooming items
|
|
